There were so many pieces that left me in awe: Van Gogh’s Roses, in particular. I know many people came to see his self-portrait, 1889, which, of course, I too was drawn to, but Roses really captivated me. Here’s what the National Gallery says about Roses:

Roses was painted shortly before Van Gogh’s release from the asylum at St.-Rémy. He felt he was coming to terms with his illness—and himself. In this healing process, painting was all-important. In those final three weeks, he wrote Theo, he “worked as in a frenzy. Great bunches of flowers, violet irises, big bouquets of roses . . . ”

I loved the MFAH’s cell-phone guides, which is a process by which you call in to listen to a pre-recorded mini-lecture about the various pieces. I wish I had brought my little notebook with me to write down the titles of the works, but I made do by (this, I know, is quite ridiculous) texting myself the information instead.

In Plum Brandy, I love the contrast in colors: the pink dress the woman is wearing against the darker colors of the cafe and burgundy banquette. I love how this is a cityscape without being a true cityscape. I love her look: distant, yet observant, so in thought that she leaves both her brandy and her cigarette untouched.

This collection showcases the work of Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and others. The exhibit closes on May 23 and I highly recommend this for everyone (except small children). One thing I’ve noticed is how some people seem to think an art exhibit is a place for loud small-talk with friends. Please do everyone a favor and just look. Listen to the work. Talk about it later with your friends over a glass of wine or a good meal.